Official MLBlog of the Kansas City Royals front office.

Trey Hillman Media Session: September 23

Meet Mr. Lerew

The mystery surrounding Thursday’s starter against the Boston Red Sox is officially over. Say hello to #54 Anthony Lerew, previously the ace of the Double-A affiliate Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Lerew, 26, has pitched sparingly in three previous seasons with the Atlanta Braves compiling a 0-2 record with an 8.31 ERA. He was signed by the Royals in Spring Training and collected a 10-6 record while pitching for Northwest Arkansas and then went 2-0 in the playoffs for the Naturals. What can we expect from Mr. Lerew? Manager Trey Hillman says he hears good things about Anthony. “I’ll be honest, I have not even seen him pitch to a live batter, nor have I seen him even throw a bullpen session, but I hear good things about him. He is a big, strong kid who has good command and solid stuff. Anthony has experience in the big leagues which is important. It will be interesting, and as you see him for the first time, I will be doing the same.”

Injury Report

LHP Dusty Hughes-Feeling better, will be missing Thursday’s scheduled start but plans on a bullpen session. If and when he returns, look for him to return to the bullpen.

RHP Juan Cruz-Off the DL should be available as soon as tomorrow for the final game of the series against the Boston Red Sox.

LHP John Bale-Has been throwing batting practice, multiple bullpen sessions are in order leading him to eventually throw to live batting. Hillman and the club continue to be very cautious with this lefty reliever, so there is not a guarantee he will pitch again this season.

RHP Kyle Farnsworth-Continues to be suffering from a sore lower shoulder (back), team is hoping to use his services before the end of the season, but again the cautious approach is being taken with Kyle.

LHP Bruce Chen-Done for the season and put on 60 day DL with torn left oblique muscle.

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